The Conflict Prevention in Practice Program (CPP) is organising a course on Facilitation of Dialogue Processes and Mediation Efforts with the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC), in Saudi Arabia, on June 1 – 6, 2010.

The course addresses the needs of the OIC for building practical skills in dialogue and mediation as key tools to transforming conflict by peaceful means. The group of 28 course participants will include key staff from the OIC’ secretariat and UN’s staff working with conflicts in Somalia and Iraq and will represent both headquarters and the field.

The objective of the training is to strengthen the capacity to facilitate and to support dialogue and mediation and mediation of both the OIC and the UN with a focus on the conflicts in Somalia and the Philippines. Moreover, the course will provide tools and conceptual principles and promote unity and collaborative approaches to understanding and practice on dialogue and mediation while strengthening capacity for both.

Further objectives are to enhance relations and create networks between participants for a better understanding about how each organisation works providing an opportunity to facilitate exchanges and create networks between staff from the Headquarters/Secretariat and the field.

Participants are expected to develop skills and knowledge on the entire process of a dialogue or mediation efforts by engaging in practical role-play exercises dealing with real situations.

The training marks the beginning of cooperation between CPP and the OIC.